The BEST Underseat Bag: Expandable Carry-On Luggage [Discontinued]

The BEST Underseat Bag: Expandable Carry-On Luggage [Discontinued]

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Are you looking for the best underseat bag?

Finding the right bag for your travels can be a challenge. When we first came across this bag, we fell in love with its versatility, organization, and compactness. That’s why it has become our go to bag for weekend getaways and longer adventures!

P.S. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.

Ciao Expandable Underseat Bag

Name: Ciao Expandable Underseat Bag

Price: $75.99 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

Rating of Flyaway Couple: 5 out of 5 stars

Recommended? Yes! This has become our go to travel bag for all trips! I’ll explain why we love it in more detail below!!

Girl holding the Ciao Underseat Bag (the best underseat bag), prior to it being expanded

A Quick Review Of “The Best Underseat Bag”

Two bags in one! This bag is interesting.  This bag looks like any other underseat bag; however, it also has an expandable component which makes it very versatile for all vacations. When not expanded, it measures 15 inches and is designed to fit underneath an airplane seat as a personal item. If you need more space, it can expand up to a 22 inch carry-on bag!

Side view of Ciao bag, before it is expanded.

I love how this bag is expandable because it gives all of us shoppers extra space for those souvenirs! This bag is also water-resistant and durable because it is made of a Nylon material. Get stuck in a rain storm? No problem! The inside compartments will stay dry. 

This bag is also great at helping you stay organized! When using this bag as a carry-on suitcase, the two compartments are actually separate. I find this very helpful in keeping my stuff arranged and tidy. When it is not expanded, you also get three zippered external compartments! Pretty cool, right?

Because of this bag’s versatility and ability to be used as an underseat bag or carry-on suitcase, it is our go-to bag for all trips! 

We Like (Pros)Could Be Improved (Cons)
Expandable Capacity – Transforms into a 22 inch carry-on suitcaseOnly 2 color choices
Great for organizationNot as lightweight as other underseat bags
Wheel handle stores into a zippered compartment
External storage compartments
Limited 5 year warranty

Key Features

  • Fully expandable
  • Push button, locking retractable pull handle
  • Recessed in-line skate wheels (x2)
  • Durable 100% Nylon exterior and interior
  • Water resistant
  • Accessory pockets
Girl demonstrating the Ciao Expandable Underseat Bag while it is fully expanded

Is This The Right Bag For You?

This Bag Is Best For….Consider Other Travel Bags….
Weekend travelersBackpackers
Weeklong getawaysCampers
Business professionals

Alternative

Amazon Basics Underseat Bag in blue

Amazon Basics Underseat Bag

This is a good alternative if you are looking for a basic under-seat bag that is reasonable in price.

  • Not expandable
  • Inexpensive
  • Multiple color choices
  • Slightly smaller at 14 inches
  • Lightweight Bag

Conclusion

Overall, the Ciao Expandable Underseat Bag delivers on its promise of providing a multi-purpose bag that is built for travel. We highly recommend this bag for your next adventure and believe that it is the best underseat bag!

Customer Reviews

“This is my second of these bags. The first one I bought at COSTCO last year and of course, it was way lower price. That was a gift for my son, who uses it constantly. Recently, I wanted another one for myself and of course COSTCO no longer carries it! Sooooo… I looked at other brands with similar style/capacities, but none seemed as well made. So, I bit the bullet and spent more money. Well worth it. The bag has so many hiding places and all zippered and glides effortlessly. I am planning on buying another one as a birthday gift! If you like to be organized, this is the bag for you!” – Marie

“I love the size of this. It fits under the seat on the airline and when I return home I have extra room for anything I buy. I just unzip it and it becomes a carry on that I can put in the over head bin. This is a great bag and I highly recommend it.” – Bee

“This is a MUST HAVE for any mom who is traveling with a baby or toddler. It has tons of compartments for organizing. I’m able to bring blankets and other bulky stuff and use the expanded version of the bag. Then, when I get on the plane, I can take those blankets out and the bag fits under the seat in front of me in its smaller version. SO MUCH BETTER than having to stow carry on luggage overhead. 10/10 recommend!” -Lauren

“This is a great little suitcase. Liked it so much that we purchased another. First one I bought from Costco but they no longer carry it so bought this one on Amazon. It is very compact and very sturdy. Lots of pocket to store things. Love that is a roller suitcase as well. Highly recommend to everyone.” -Ray

“We got one of these at Costco a while back and I wanted another one and so I searched here on Amazon and found it! I was so glad that I did…they are awesome! I love that you can pack a little and bring back A LOT 😉 — we were able to bring back like 12+ bottles of alcohol from Europe in these plus still have space for other things! they are pretty hardy.” – Sarafina

“This bag saves me tons of time at the airport. It fits on every plane that I have boarded. It’s tough and I’ve been using the same bag for 2-3 years. The pockets on the sides are very handy.” – Ralph (aka: my dad)

Update 5/19/23: This bag is discontinued!! 🙁

Best Underseat Bag FAQ’s

Is it possible to lock the suitcase?


You will notice that there are 2 sets of zipper pairs on the front of the luggage that give you access to the main luggage storage area. You could purchase a small luggage lock and thread it through the zipper pairs. 

When in under the seat configuration does the handle retract all the way or does it still stick up?

The handle goes all the way down so it is flush with the top of the bag. It fits nicely under the seat of the plane or in the overhead bin of even a puddle jumper plane.

When collapsed down to under-seat size does the top portion take up a lot of space in the bottom?

It’s a totally separate compartment, so it doesn’t take up any room in the lower portion. It just folds down into itself.

Does the bag open from the top or is the top opening just the expansion?

The top opening is the expansion. The bag opens from the front and has 2 side compartments.

Interested in other product favorites?

Sara & Josh

While Sara and Josh may be new to the travel blogging world, that doesn't mean they lack knowledge or experience in booking bougie vacations. With a talent for finding travel deals, Sara and Josh are here to teach YOU some of their tricks to traveling "bougie on a budget." Learn more about their story and please reach out with any questions or comments via e-mail at: [email protected].

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This Post Has 7 Comments

  1. Ken

    I have used this bag as a flight kit, being an airline pilot. It is the best bag…however, I can’t find this particular bag ANYWHERE! At one time, this was a Costco item for $29!!! Wish I bought 10 of them. Any luck on your end finding it?

    1. Sara & Josh

      We also got hooked on this bag when Costco sold it for that awesome price! I have looked for a replacement bag, but have had no luck finding it since they discontinued making it. Fingers crossed they bring it back!

  2. Molly Goldstein

    Where can i buy this

  3. Aspen

    I too have been desperate to replace my costco bag like this one, without luck. Mine is starting to break down after years of use. The closest thing I could find was the Biaggi LIFT-OFF! EXPANDABLE UNDERSEATER TO CARRY ON. It’s slightly smaller than this version, and definitely made with lighter fabric. I’m not sure if that will translate to “cheap”, but it’s super light. It comes at a steep cost though. Priced in Feb 2023 at $140. It’s the closest I can come, but I’ll keep looking as well!

    1. Sara & Josh

      Thank you for sharing your findings! It does look very similar – The spinner wheels on the Biaggi wheels could be helpful for travel. We are always on the lookout for the best bag.

  4. Mary Bogaudo

    Is this CIAO bag still available?

    1. Sara & Josh

      Unfortunately, it has been discontinued. 😞